What do colour blind
people do with the BBC's red button? A new exhibition looks at the importance
of inclusivity and diversity in design.
Part of the London Design Festival (14-22 September), the show features seven designers, all UK-based Cypriots, and takes place at the University of Greenwich Stockwell Street Gallery from now until 26 October. A private view takes place on Thursday 19 September.
Dr Anastasios Maragiannis put the show together after talking to the Cypriot High Commisioner at an event in London.
"We talked about design and they were keen to do something so we started from there," says Anastasios. "The show is funded by the Cyprus High Commission and is the final result of that conversation five years ago.
"Each designer was given a brief, initially focusing on Cyprus and the dichotomy of how the mother is head of the family, rather than the father.
"The show is about empowering and engaging people. Considering disability, for example, in design, as well as ageing and gender. For example, what do colour blind people do with the red button?
"We're showing that design can be the ultimate communication tool to connect the world to go beyond expected boundaries, through a range of transdisciplinary approaches that positively impact our social and political landscapes. These works share a common objective: What is enabled when designers design with, and for, others?"
Diversity and Inclusivity by Design: Empowering Individuals takes place at the university's Stephen Lawrence Gallery. It is presented by the diversity + inclusivity by Design Research (d+iD) at the School of Design in partnership with the Cultural Section of the Cyprus High Commission in London. The show will be accompanied by a catalogue and an associated programme of educational and public events. The exhibition will travel worldwide.
The exhibits are in: architecture, fashion (wearable tech), communications, research design practice, floral and set design."
(My) Flowers Are Dead by Alina Dheere Babaletsos
A mixed-media installation incorporating flowers and discarded elements as a visual collage denoting the importance of inclusion and diversity. The display also features fragmented spoken word and looped sound recordings.
The aim is to create a poetic visual composition which establishes a connection and emotional response.
UNbuffer by graphic designerAlexandros Kosmideslooks at the Green Line, as it is known to the locals. It is essentially a ceasefire line, patrolled by the UN peace-keeping force
The artist uses postcards, featuring images, text, and repurposed items found in the landscape of the dividing zone, whose function has been subverted so that they stop representing a message of division and exclusion.
MAZI (together) by Magdalene Theodorou
Aiming to create ethical and sustainable products, Mazi creates jewelry by melting down fragments of recycled copper, silver and brass. The creative process of the jewelry reflects the potential bridging of differences on Cyprus, the binding of political, cultural, social and economic divides.
Bio-Engaging by Mala Siamptani
The aim here is to make jewelry for everyone by using soil, bioplastics, and herbs. A series of moulds will be created using 3D printing technology where the user can create their own ring for their partner, using materials of particular importance to their relationship.
Androniki's Pocket by Maria Christina Papaleontiou
Androniki is a folk song about a woman who is killed by her brother for dishonouring the family. She did this by going against convention in Cyprus by trying to participate in 'male pursuits', such as going to the coffee shop to drink and smoke. Pockets were left out of women's clothing as it was deemed unnecessary for women to have such a functional element. Androkiki's Pocket sees the traditional Cypriot national garment adorned with functional and embellished pockets, both gestures of female empowerment.
Stereognosis by Maya Angeli
A monochrome composition inspired by the cultural and natural landscape of Cyprus. A live installation will be hidden in a booth, which people can touch. Visitors can then write or sketch their experience of the artwork.
The composition will be visible behind a curtain at the back of the booth and is complemented by a selection of studio photographs and sketches.
Tickets for the Afterlife by Stacey Pitsillides
Cyprus, an island at the cross-section of many cultures and religions, has always had a varied approach to ritual practices.
Technology "extends" our bodies and memories into the afterlife with virtual memorials on social media. This installation links past, present and future possibilities of love after death. Here you can collect your own set of tickets for the afterlife to take home and contemplate.
Dr Anastasios Maragiannis, Deputy Head of the School of Design at the University of Greenwich, Dr Marios Psaras, Cultural Counsellor at the Cyprus High Commission in London, and researcher-designer Mala Siamptani (UAL), and include: Maya Angeli #SetDesign , Alina Babaletsos #VisualArts, Alexandros Kosmidis #CommunicationDesign , Maria Papaleontiou #Architecture , Stacey Pitsillides #Design Research , Magdalene Theodorou #Design, and Mala Siamptani #ParticipatoryWearables
